Year of the Dianthus
Dianthus also has a California connection involving Goldsmith Seeds, a wholesale flower hybridizer in Gilroy. Goldsmith crossed two different types of dianthus in the late 1960s, resulting in a entirely new cross called “Queen of Hearts.” It won an All America Selections Award in 1971. Goldsmith followed up with another interspecific cross in 1974, and won another AAS Award with “Magic Charms.” Both varieties, but especially “Magic Charms,” opened up the market for growers, who could nor produce flowering bedding plants in pots or packs for spring, which would go on to bloom all summer for the home gardener.
By the way, the common name of “pinks” comes from the notched petals, which look like they have been cut with pinking shears. I have no idea why they are sometimes called sweet William.
Next column: The Year of the Pea.
The copyright of the article Year of the Dianthus in California Gardening is owned by Keith Muraoka. Permission to republish Year of the Dianthus in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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